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Reviews
Das Lehrerzimmer (2023)
A Distressing Journey in Search of Truth
Amidst the claustrophobia of the 4:3 format, the teachers' lounge transforms into a stage of tensions and ethical dilemmas. Ilker Çatak's camera becomes a relentless voyeur, capturing every nuance of the anguish that permeates Carla's life, portrayed masterfully by Leonie Benesch.
Carla, the idealistic teacher, finds herself entangled in a web of doubts and uncertainties when confronted with a series of thefts at the school. Her quest for truth brings her face to face with an education system in crisis, marked by xenophobia, exhaustion, bullying, and the increasing abdication of parental responsibility.
The narrative, dry and precise, invites us to delve into Carla's mind, experiencing her thoughts, fears, and frustrations. The carefully chosen color palette intensifies the atmosphere of oppression and melancholy, while the minimalist soundtrack contributes to the feeling of isolation and powerlessness.
"Teachers' Lounge (Das Lehrerzimmer)" doesn't offer easy answers. It's a film that provokes reflections on the challenges of education, professional ethics, and the limits of individual responsibility. It's a gut punch that leaves us stunned and perplexed but also deeply moved.
Leonie Benesch's impeccable performance is the soul of the film. She masterfully conveys the strength and fragility of Carla, a woman fighting to uphold her values in an increasingly corrupted world.
Ilker Çatak demonstrates great talent and sensitivity in his direction. His mise-en-scène is precise and meticulous, with each element contributing to the construction of the film's distressing atmosphere.
"Teachers' Lounge (Das Lehrerzimmer)" is a must-watch for those seeking a challenging and reflective cinematic experience. It confronts us with raw and unfiltered reality, prompting us to think, feel, and question.
The Last Repair Shop (2023)
A Musical Journey Through the Past
"The Last Repair Shop" is a poem in prose, a hymn to memory and resistance against the tyranny of disposability. It is an invitation to celebrate the beauty of what was created with love, to listen to the stories that old objects have to tell.
At the end of the journey, we are touched by a sweet melancholy and a deep gratitude. Melancholy for the loss of a world where objects were valued and repaired, and gratitude for finding, amidst the fast pace of modern life, a haven where time slows down and memory finds shelter.
May this film inspire in each of us a passion for preservation, respect for the past, and the search for beauty in simple things. May we all be guardians of time, restoring not only objects, but also the memories that reside within them.
Kuolleet lehdet (2023)
A rough, melancholy and beautiful romance
Aki Kaurismäki stands out as one of the most unique directors in the contemporary cinematic landscape. His films are notable for their minimalist style, dry humor, and a dark approach to the human condition. In "Fallen Leaves," the renowned Finnish director returns to explore themes such as loneliness, alienation, and loss of hope.
The plot follows Ansa, a supermarket labeler, a lonely and disillusioned woman immersed in a monotonous routine. Her path crosses with Holappa, an alcoholic bricklayer, and thus begins an unusual romance.
The dialogues between the protagonists are rhythmic and rudimentary, resembling an animation. This stylistic choice is intentional, creating an atmosphere of melancholy and disillusionment. The love between Ansa and Holappa is, in a unique way, dry and sublime. They are two ordinary beings who find in the strength of this emotion the courage to face the harshness of the world.
The art direction plays a crucial role in the narrative, setting it in a timeless world where seasons intertwine, and technology is nonexistent. This aesthetic choice reflects the characters' condition, immersed in an environment that seems devoid of a future.
Posters of pop icons from different decades, such as Tom Jones and UFO, contribute to creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and disillusionment. They are also a tool used by the art direction to confuse the viewer, making them unsure of the era in which the film takes place.
"Fallen Leaves" is a raw, melancholic, and beautiful film. A work that invites us to reflect on the human condition and the significance of love. Undoubtedly, it is a film that will linger in the memory for a long time.
La sociedad de la nieve (2023)
An emotionally charged and inspiring narrative that highlights the strength of the human spirit.
Telling a familiar story is a challenge. Finding a new perspective, an approach that brings something fresh, is crucial. In "The Society of Snow," Juan Antonio Bayona achieves this feat by recounting the story of the survivors of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash in an intimate and poetic manner.
The narrative begins by introducing the protagonists before the accident. Students, rugby players, and friends travel to a game in Chile, revealing the joy and anticipation of the trip, as well as anxiety about the flight's safety.
After the accident, we witness the survivors' struggle in a hostile and inhospitable environment, facing cold, hunger, thirst, and altitude. The film explores the internal conflicts of the survivors in the face of death, loss, and guilt.
The stunning Andes scenes, captured by the spectacular cinematography of Pedro Luque, combined with Michael Giacchino's engaging soundtrack, create an atmosphere of suspense and melancholy.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The confusing timeline may make it challenging for some viewers to follow, and the abrupt ending leaves a sense of incompleteness.
Despite these minor issues, "The Society of Snow" is a work that deserves to be seen. An emotionally charged and inspiring narrative that highlights the strength of the human spirit.
Foe (2023)
A film about loneliness and ethics that fails to create suspense
"Foe" plunges into the depths of loneliness and ethics in a dystopian future, where the couple Hen and Junior faces a disturbing dilemma with the arrival of Terrence. The film tackles crucial themes such as loneliness and the nature of love, with remarkable performances by Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal. However, its attempt to create suspense fails, as the exchange of Junior for the clone proves predictable, missing the opportunity to evoke true uncertainty. Despite this, the film, though a bit slow, shines in exploring impactful themes uniquely. If the director's intention was to provoke philosophical reflection, he succeeded. As for suspense, it falls far short of manifesting itself.
Mystery Road (2018)
Mystery Road: A Gritty, Realistic Look at Aboriginal Culture
I have been watching the series and films of the Mystery Road universe, and I have noticed that there is a concern to transmit to the viewer the real sensations of an investigation. This is very cool, but the lack of a more consistent soundtrack is a major flaw in Ivan Sen's filmography.
I believe that the soundtrack could help create a more engaging and realistic atmosphere. For example, in action or suspense scenes, a more intense soundtrack could help increase the tension and immersion of the viewer.
The rest is sensational! By incorporating Aboriginal culture, stunning photography, and Jay Swan's analytical and wise behavior, it strengthens and creates a very consistent identity for both the protagonist and the plots.
I recommend watching everything in the Mystery Road universe.